R v Coley [2013]

1. Facts:

• D attempted to kill his neighbour after consuming a large amount of drugs.

• D had no recollection of the events.

2. Outcome:

• D could not use voluntary intoxication or insanity as a defence.

• Doctors stated that the drug-induced detachment from reality did not constitute a "disease of the mind.”

3. Impact and Analysis:

• Voluntary Intoxication: Generally not a defence to criminal liability. In this case, the effects of drugs did not meet the legal definition of insanity.

• Insanity Defence: Requires a "disease of the mind," which was not present in this case. The ruling clarifies that minor voluntary effects on the mind from drug use do not qualify.

• Legal Precedent: Reinforces the strict criteria for the insanity defence and the non-acceptance of voluntary intoxication as a defence in criminal cases.